Designing an intuitive multi-sensory assistant safety feature

It's not just another day for Amit.

Today, he received a cash reward for his outstanding performance. On his way home, he ponders how to spend the money. He opens YouTube and notices that his favorite YouTuber has uploaded a new video after a long hiatus.

"What a lucky day," he thinks!

He watches the entire video and is captivated by the stunning sky shots. "Man what great shots! The aerial views look even more fascinating"

Curious, he searches the internet and discovers that those were drone shots. Googles—— Beginner-friendly drones?

Checks the price!

Glances at his paycheck<>

Sighs, closes the window.

Reopens it and completes the purchase!

A new DJMini 2 will be delivered in three days— a 3 a.m. decision.

Now, he’s not just a software developer but also an aspiring drone pilot by weekend.

His journey after practicing short flights on his rooftop to the open skies made him encounter many problems.

Everytime he flies his drone…

Other than his skills with the drone, things he struggles with are:

• Regulations Uncertainty: Staying updated with evolving drone regulations, including airspace restrictions demands continuous attention.
• Safety Concerns: As a beginner, he finds it difficult to maintain situational awareness while piloting the drone, especially in crowded or windy areas.
• Flight Anxiety: Worries about losing control, crashing the drone, or exceeding battery limits during flights.

So are these made up or DATA BASED?

Can we actually do something?

As tempting as it is to dream up an entirely new ecosystem, the real magic lies in leveraging the one users already know and trust.

Sometimes, a small feature can solve a specific problem—and that alone can bring significant relief. Innovation isn’t always about adding more; sometimes, it’s about making what exists work better. So introducing.

Key Features

• No-Fly Zone Visual Alerts: ‘You can’t fly here’ but with fewer words and more don’t-even-think-about-it graphics.
• 3D Map Button: For checking Drone’s VLOS range
• Quick Toggle: Easily switch between regular & drone modes.
• Situational Awareness Alerts: Guidance on what should & should not be done.

HUD Concept

The HUD (Head-Up Display) projects live drone footage in front of the user’s eyes, and AR elements are overlaid in real-time.

How it works in the ecosystem?

By default, the toggle for the connected app will be on, but users can switch it on or off according to their preferences.

CASE 1: No Fly Zones Visual Alerts

CASE 2: Situational Awareness

Scenario: The user is flying a drone, and the wind speed increases. The safety assistant helps the user with decision-making.

Other cases can be addressed for flying drones near crowds. The general guideline is to maintain a minimum height of 400 feet (approximately 122 meters) above the ground when flying in such areas

CASE 3: Monitoring the VLOS distance

DGCA RULE: The operator should be able to see the drone without the use of any visual aids like binoculars or screens.

Scenario: The VLOS range is 500 meters from the drone operator. If the user’s drone moves beyond that distance, the assistant will provide alerts.

CASE 4: Easy Map Access for Better Decision-Making

Scenario: The user wants to see their current location or set a different location, with the maps providing a bird's-eye view for the user.

BEHIND THE SCENES

A good interface is like a great co-pilot: It doesn’t overwhelm, but it does stop you from making terrible decisions. Here’s how we leverage human senses:

By integrating just the right amount of AR, audio feedback, and intelligent automation, we can make drone piloting safer, smarter, and—dare we say—actually fun.

Amit’s journey from nervous beginner to confident pilot is not about making things easy; it’s about making them intuitive. The goal isn’t to replace human skill, but to empower it. And maybe, just maybe, keep a few drones always in green zones along the way.